Carlos Baleba is facing an uncertain future at Brighton as January exit remains a realistic possibility.
Tottenham are hoping to address several glaring issues in the squad once the January transfer window opens in a few weeks. The Lilywhites have struggled to retain possession in midfield this season, largely due to Thomas Frank’s preference for using Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha as a double pivot. Both players have found it difficult to control the tempo, making it challenging for the North Londoners to sustain pressure throughout games.
However, the match against Brentford brought a welcome change, as fans witnessed Archie Gray line up alongside Bentancur in midfield. This adjustment allowed Thomas Frank to deploy Xavi Simons in his natural number 10 role, giving the Dutchman the freedom to attack the half-spaces and influence transitions more effectively.
There was a noticeable improvement in Spurs’ overall play with Gray in the pivot instead of Palhinha. While Bentancur and Palhinha provide defensive solidity without the ball, their limited impact in the final third makes their continued selection difficult for some supporters to understand. Their lack of creativity often forces Tottenham to rely on set pieces for chances rather than fluid attacking play.
Tottenham hoping to land Brighton star Carlos Baleba in January
Recent reports suggest Tottenham are targeting a new midfielder in the upcoming January window. The Lilywhites are monitoring Carlos Baleba’s progress at Brighton, with Thomas Frank viewing the Cameroon international as a midfielder with world-class potential. The same reports claim that Brighton value the player at €100m as they look to ward off interest ahead of the winter window.
There is now a new twist in the Baleba saga. According to Ekrem Konur (via X), Bayern Munich are also keen on signing the 21-year-old as they aim to strengthen their midfield for the second half of the season. With Leon Goretzka’s future at the Allianz Arena uncertain, the Bundesliga champions see Baleba as a potential replacement.
Spurs must also contend with strong competition from Manchester United and Liverpool. Both Premier League giants are reportedly willing to invest a significant portion of their budgets into signing the Cameroon international as they attempt to turn their league form around. This means Tottenham may need to step up their efforts quickly if they want to secure Baleba’s signature in January.
Should Tottenham go all-in for Carlos Baleba?
Carlos Baleba has certainly shown flashes of his potential since joining Brighton in 2023. Signed as Moises Caicedo’s replacement, the Cameroon international has stepped up on several occasions. However, it is also important to note that his form has dipped considerably this season, partly due to his failed summer move to Manchester United.
He has struggled to make a consistent impact for the Seagulls, with Fabian Hürzeler substituting him at half-time on four separate occasions this season. This highlights that Baleba still has significant development ahead before he can truly be considered world-class. Even so, signing him would be a major coup for Tottenham, as he would represent an immediate upgrade on Bentancur.
Spurs would secure a top-level talent for the next decade if they managed to bring in the 21-year-old. If the club views him as a long-term investment, they may need to meet Brighton’s asking price. Baleba has the potential to become a future superstar and would make an instant impact at N17, adding a fresh dimension to Tottenham’s midfield.
